Federal Way, WA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Owners of vacant or undeveloped lots in Federal Way must maintain them in a safe and sanitary condition under Federal Way Revised Code Title 13 (Buildings) and Title 19 (Zoning). This includes keeping vegetation, grass, and weeds under 12 inches in height, removing accumulated trash, tires, and construction debris, and preventing the lot from becoming a harborage for rats, raccoons, or transient encampments. Vacant structures on a lot must be secured with all openings boarded or locked to prevent unauthorized entry. Fencing is not required on every vacant lot, but swimming pools must be drained or secured with a 5-foot barrier per the adopted IRC. Lots within critical areas or the shoreline jurisdiction (Puget Sound, Steel Lake, Mirror Lake) have additional vegetation management rules under FWRC Title 19 (Critical Areas and Shoreline Master Program). Illegal dumping on vacant lots is common and the property owner is initially responsible for cleanup unless the dumper is identified. Code Compliance will issue a Notice and Order requiring abatement within 30 days; failure to comply can lead to city cleanup with costs assessed as a lien. Contact Federal Way Code Compliance at 253-835-2641 to report a problem lot.